The Best Resistance Bands For Legs, Glutes, And Arms...Reviewed

​People started using resistance bands to exercise a few decades ago around 1996. Previously, there was full and complete reliance on traditional free weights. Over time as people became familiar with them, they were incorporated more into fitness routines, thus giving birth to resistance band training.

When we refer to resistance band training, we are referring to training using flat continuously looped layered bands and not bungee cords, tubes, molded flat bands or other queer band-like objects. Though these bands come in a variety of lengths, types and tensions, they are not made of heavy materials like iron. As such, they are easily damaged if they are not used accordingly.

Here Are Our Choices For The Top Resistance Bands

Synergee Mini Resistance Bands

This set of mini resistance bands is a complete set of 5. Ranging from 5 lbs. to 50 lbs., these offer the most resistance on the market. A size of 12" by 2" provides additional stability to enhance any workout. We like these due to the variety of sizes and resistance provided.

Belus Mini Resistance Bands

A complete set of 4 bands ranging from 4 lbs. to 24 lbs. These also differ from the Synergee bands in that the Belus bands are 10" by 2". Strong and durable, we like these bands due to their smaller size and compact feel. Another great leg and glute enhancer.

BMP Resistance Bands

Without a doubt, the best value on Amazon. Set includes 5 bands of 48" ranging form 2 lbs. to 30 lbs. It also comes with a door anchor, exercise chart, carrying bag, ankle strap, and starter guide. I've used many brands of resistance bands, and found these to be the most durable.

Most bands that wear out are due to incorrect use rather than actually wearing out. Judging by the material used, resistance band training is not designed to replicate that of free weight training.

​Free weight training relies on mass and thus gravity is used. This has a limitation on the range of motion and the movements one can incorporate. The concept behind bands is to provide a range of exercise options that free weights cannot. Bands also create ascending resistance which causes a high degree end range stabilization necessary in preventing injury. In summary, resistance bands are used mainly to rehabilitate injuries and tone body muscles.​

​Similar to any other training device, resistance bands have benefits as well as limitations. It is important to understand them before making a decision on whether you would like to train using them or not.

Resistance bands are lightweight, a characteristic which makes them portable. This is a sharp contrast to traditional free weights that are heavy and thus largely stationary at the gym or workout area. It is impossible to fathom the thought of carrying weights all over in readiness for the time you will want to train. Portability here means you can slot in workouts anywhere at any time without having to unpack your set of dumbbells or dash over to a nearby gym.

The cost of acquisition differs immensely. Bands have a very low investment cost. Resistance bands go for almost nothing while traditional free weights cost a fortune to acquire. It would take at least 9 pairs of dumbbells going for around $200 to create a similar resistance variability that one pair of small bands going for $22 can create.​

Resistance bands train movements rather than muscles making the bodywork as a complete unit. This gives workouts a holistic approach. They do not just replicate free weight movements but instead replicate functional movement. The effect of this will be that your muscles will be stronger and your movement will also be better coordinated.​

​Resistance bands offer lots of flexibility to include everyone, especially as regards the choice of exercise. This, therefore, leaves no room for excuses as would be the case with traditional free weights, for example, all weights for a particular exercise in the gym are in use, the free weights are too heavy or to intimidating for you to start your workout or that the gym is far away. Training using bands can be done anywhere, at any time, by anybody, to train any movement at any desired intensity.

90% of all resistance band exercises require the upper body and the lower body to move simultaneously thus strengthening the core. Resistant bands train the body as a unit (a complete kinetic chain) rather than individual muscles and body parts as is the case with traditional free weights. The elastic nature of the bands allows for a greater range of motion forcing muscles to lengthen and stabilize in the course of an entire workout session.

A downfall of training using resistance bands is the fact that it is difficult to track and record progress. Band resistance varies and is dependent on the thickness of the band in use, its width and the length of the stretch. With traditional free weights, one can easily track the mass of the weights used during training for example. With resistance bands, metrics are difficult to track as the only parameter that changes are range of motion, which itself depends on multiple factors as listed above making it difficult for you to wrap your head around. For this reason, many people stay away from bands. However, resistance bands are best used in the context of variety. Its important to keep using free weights, but incorporate some variety in the form of resistance bands as much as possible for best results with your fitness pursuits.